Federalism Institute calls Mec halt next elections preparations

Under federal system of Government, councils will be independent

The Federalism Institute 724 Malawi has called on the Malawi Electoral Commission [Mec] to halt preparations for the next elections amid calls for the establishment of a federal system of government that are louder across the country.
Malawians are demanding the establishment of a federal system of government claiming that the unitary system of government has failed the country through corruption, looting, embezzlement of public resources in government.
Many Malawians have argued that with the MCP led Tonse Alliance government’s extravagant borrowing for luxury which has reached a debt of 7,90 trillion Malawi Kwacha there are fears that the debts will reach to over 10 trillion Kwacha if federal system of government will not be put in place.
In a letter dated 20th April, 2023 to Mec Chairperson Dr. Chifundo Kachale signed by its leader Lusungu B. Simba Mwakhwawa, Dr. Rex Kalolo [National coordinator] and Mr. Macford Chinonga [Regional Coordinator], the Federation Institute Malawi has implored him to use his authority to halt the next elections preparations until their voices and demands for a federal system of a government are heard and met.
The Federation Institute has claimed that citizens from all walks of life and districts have come together to demand greater representation, equitable development, and more autonomy for all districts across the country.
The organization says in light of these calls for a federal system of government in Malawi, it has asked the Government of Malawi to give chance to the citizens to express themselves through a referendum their views on whether they are in support or not.
It says it is imperative for the citizens to address the fundamental issues of how they want to be governed before they proceed with another election under the current centralized system.
….’’We are writing with a sense of urgency and deep concern calls for the establishment of a federal system of government have been growing louder across the country,’’….reads the letter in part.
The Federalism Institute says it is particularly concerned about the ignorance of Members of Parliament [MPs] in knowing systems of governance observing that governance is a complex and multi-faceted concept that requires a deep understanding of the political economic and social systems that underpin a society.
It says Members of Parliament [MPs] have not been able to make informed decisions, develop effective policies, or providing adequate representation for their constituents describing this as a worrisome development.
The organization says this ignorance of governance systems have serious consequencies for a nation’s future saying this has resulted in the adoption of policies and laws that are in effective or harmful, undermining the rule of law, and erode public trust in government institutions.
The Federalism Institute Malawi says it believes that the establishment of a federal system of government will provide greater representation for all districts, leading to more equitable development and progress.
The Federalism Institute Malawi says citizens have a duty to work towards creating a better future for all Malawians and they cannot do so under the current system of governance.
The letter to Mec Chairperson to halt next elections preparations has been copied to Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Malawi Law Commission, Malawi Law Society, all Civil Society Organizations in Malawi and all Members of the Press.

Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.